Forum Discussion

Steerpike58's avatar
Steerpike58
New Contributor
8 years ago

RF extender with XR11-RF remote - Zigbee

I've spent last two days playing with the XR11-RF remote and have had good success with it. I can use it in both RF and IR mode to control the Arris XG1V3. I've also successfully used two IR extenders/repeater solutions to repeat the IR signal, just for the heck of it.

My real need, however, is to repeat the RF signal as opposed to the IR signal.  My reading so far suggests the XR11-RF remote uses the 'zigbee' standard for RF, and thus, to be able to repeat the signal, I will need a Zigbee repeater.  Can anyone confirm that this will work? I'm going to go ahead and buy one assuming it works, but any tips would be greatly appreciated. 

Note - I've found that the remote works with the Arris box in RF mode without any 'pairing'.  My guess is, 'out of the box', the remote works with 'any' Contour 2 box, and you only need to pair the remote if you have multiple Contour 2 boxes (thus tying the remote to a specific box). Also, each time I un-pair the remote (force it to IR mode, using setup / 981 code), it will revert to RF mode without much provocation (not sure exactly what is causing this yet). 

XR11-RF RF zigbee
  • Becky's avatar
    Becky
    Moderator
    8 years ago
    Hi Steerpike58,

    The XR11 voice remote has both RF and IR capabilities. I'm sorry that we provided incorrect information on your other thread. When connected via HDMI to an XG1 receiver, Contour 2 uses Auto IR remote control programming. It should function the same with an XG1V3 receiver, but I'm not positive about that. The XR11 voice remote can function in both RF and IR mode. Your question about using a Zigbee repeater is outside the scope of our support, but posting here is a fantastic start. Perhaps another Forum user can provide further assistance!

  • Steerpike58's avatar
    Steerpike58
    New Contributor
    8 years ago

    Thanks, Becky.  Would you mind elaborating on "When connected via HDMI to an XG1 receiver, Contour 2 uses Auto IR remote control programming"? 

    Regarding the remote reverting from IR to RF, it happened a couple of times last night.  I use code (setup)+981 to 'unpair' the remote (maybe that is a 'reset' command?). This switches the remote to IR mode, and buttons such as 'Contour' and 'Guide' send IR signals (red light on remote confirms this). But after doing that, when I press (eg) volume or Mute on the remote, the cable box (through the TV) offers

    'would you like to use your remote to control your TV? Your remote isn't set up for control of power, volume, .... press "setup now" to control your TV ..."

    and immediately at that point - before even completing the setup process ... the 'Contour' and 'Guide' buttons (and others) are now sending RF signals again (green light on remote).  So the remote at this point has revered to RF mode. 

    Anyway - any info on zigbee would be greatly appreciated. 

  • Becky's avatar
    Becky
    Moderator
    8 years ago

    Hi Steerpike58,

    The remote code 9-8-1 is the factory reset code. This means that all RF pairing information and TV control will be reset/cleared and the remote will operate in IR mode.

    There are several special remote codes that can be used to change the remote's mode of operation.

    • To unpair the remote, hold Setup until the LED turns green, and then press 9, 8, 7. If the code is entered successfully, the LED will blink green two times, the remote will be unpaired, and it will operate in IR mode.
    • To reset the TV IR code, hold Setup until the LED turns green, and then enter 9, 8, 6. If the code is entered successfully, the LED will blink green two times and the remote will no longer be able to control the television.
    • To factory reset the remote, hold setup until the LED turns green and then enter 9, 8, 1. If the code is entered successfully, the LED will blink green two times and the remote will be reset to factory defaults.